Southwest Raises First and Second Checked Bag Fees for New Bookings Starting April 9, 2026

Southwest will increase the fees for checking the first and second bags by $10 for tickets booked on or after April 9, 2026 (first bag to $45, second bag to $55; third bag remains $150; overweight/oversize fees unchanged). Free checked bags remain for certain travelers: Choice Preferred fares include two free bags, A-List and A-List Preferred status confer free bags (with up to 8 companions), Southwest credit cards offer a free first bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation, and active-duty military get up to two free bags. Booking flights before the new date could save on luggage costs.